System and method for measuring fluid pressure

ABSTRACT

A method of reducing power consumption in a pressure (vacuum) regulator system by waking the regulator upon detection of a change in pressure beyond a set band, including: defining a sampling time-window to sample a pressure in the pressure regulator system; generating a random number of pressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; acquiring data of the randomly generated number of pressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; adjusting the defined sampling time-window in response to a change in pressure beyond a set band; and transmitting the data to an output device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/461,064, filed Jul. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,944, claimingpriority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/212,737, filed Apr. 10, 2009, the contents of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The present disclosure relates to a pressure/vacuum monitoring system.More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an independentlypowered electronic pressure gauge used to monitor the pressure or vacuumin a gas-fluid system.

II. Background

Pressure regulators can be used to control the level of fluid-gaspressure within an output line attached to a pressure or vacuum source.The pressure regulator generally resides at a location where it can beaccessed by an operator for the purposes of reading the level ofpressure within the output line and controlling or changing the pressureif desired. The pressure being delivered into the output line can begreater than ambient pressure or it can be below the ambient pressure.In the latter case, where the pressure is below the ambient pressure,the output line generally provides a vacuum and the pressure regulatoris a vacuum pressure regulator. Vacuum and above ambient pressuresources are found in various places including machine shops,manufacturing areas, automotive repair areas, hospitals, laboratories,and the like.

Hospital applications for vacuum and pressure sources can be found inthe patient room, the operating theater, the catheterization lab, therecovery room, and the like. A vacuum outlet in a room is often found onthe wall or in a ceiling drop. Unregulated hospital vacuum sources,which are connected to a centralized vacuum pump system, can rangebetween about 0 and 760 millimeters of mercury (zero to minus 1atmosphere). The centralized vacuum pumping system generally uses avacuum pump and a storage tank for the low-pressure fluid, which isgenerally air. In order for the pressure or vacuum to be of maximumutility, the level of the vacuum or pressure is ideally controlled towithin a predetermined range or to a pre-determined level. This controlover the vacuum or pressure is accomplished with a pressure regulator.

The traditional vacuum regulator, as used in the hospital environment,calls upon a simple mechanical gauge to display negative pressureapplied to the output line. As the practitioner adjusts the vacuum to beapplied to the patient, the gauge measures and displays the resultantpressure. The vacuum is used to suction secretions, blood, etc, or tomaintain negative pressure in a closed cavity as when inflating acollapsed lung. The mechanical gauge, circular in nature, similar to aclock face, has a dial hand that swings from zero to minus full scalepressure. For example, the gauge might read from 0 to 300-mmHg or760-mmHg, although other gauge ranges are also available.

Pressure regulating means to display the regulated pressure hastraditionally fallen upon mechanical gauges with tried and proventechnology and here thereto have been reliant on power from the main.Therefore, there has been a long standing need for a pressure regulatorsystem and method that utilizes a non-mechanical display and alsoprovides power independence for an extended period of time.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form asa prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of reducing powerconsumption in a pressure (vacuum) regulator system is provided bywaking the regulator upon detection of a person's hand proximity priorto adjustment of a pressure controller, comprising: defining a samplingtime-window to sample a pressure in the pressure regulator system;generating a random number of pressure samples within the definedsampling time-window; acquiring data of the randomly generated number ofpressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; adjusting thedefined sampling time-window in response to a triggering of a proximitysensor; and transmitting the data to an output device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure (vacuum)regulator system is provided capable of reducing power consumption bywaking a regulator upon detection of a person's hand proximity prior toadjustment of a pressure controller, comprising: means for defining asampling time-window to sample a pressure in the pressure regulatorsystem; means for generating a random number of pressure samples withinthe defined sampling time-window; means for acquiring data of therandomly generated number of pressure samples within the definedsampling time-window; means for detecting a proximity; means foradjusting the sampling time-window in response to a triggering of themeans for detecting the proximity; and means for transmitting the datato an output device.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a reduced powerconsumption, non-mains pressure (vacuum) regulator system is provided,comprising: a non-mains powered regulator controller capable of samplingpressure values in a sampling time window; an input port and an outputport; an adjustment valve coupled to at least one of the input port andoutput port; a knob attached to the adjustment valve; an output pressuretransducer coupled to the output port; and a proximity detector coupledto the controller, wherein the proximity detector upon triggeringadjusts a random pressure sampling time-window.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided ofreducing power consumption in a pressure (vacuum) regulator system bywaking the regulator upon detection of a person's hand proximity priorto adjustment of the pressure controller, comprising: initiating asampling of pressure; acquiring a next sampling of pressure after arandomly generated time delay; adjusting the time delay in response to atriggering of a proximity sensor; acquiring another sampling of pressureafter adjustment of the adjusted time delay; and transmitting the datato an output device.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure (vacuum)regulator system is provided capable of reducing power consumption bywaking the regulator upon detection of a person's hand proximity priorto adjustment of the pressure controller, comprising: means forinitiating a sampling of pressure; means for acquiring a sampling ofpressure after a randomly generated time delay; means for adjusting thetime delay in response to triggering of a proximity sensor, wherein themeans for acquiring acquires another sampling of pressure afteradjustment of the adjusted time delay; and means for transmitting thedata to an output device.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosed subject matter, certainaspects, advantages and novel features are described herein. It is to beunderstood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved inaccordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed subject matter maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein. These and otheradvantages will be more apparent from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A general architecture that implements the various features of thedisclosed subject matter will now be described with reference to thedrawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided toillustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and not to limitthe scope of disclosure herein. Throughout the drawings, referencenumbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referencedelements.

FIG. 1 is a side illustration of an exemplary pressure or vacuumregulator.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary vacuum regulator as used in anoperating room to pull suction on a chest drainage tube.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the components of an exemplarypressure regulator.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary encoding scheme forpressure measurement wherein the number of samples taken within asampling interval is randomly generated.

FIG. 4 b illustrates an exemplary flow chart of an encoding schemewherein the time to acquisition of the next sample is randomlygenerated, with an option to modify the time to next sample as afunction of the magnitude of the pressure change since the lastmeasurement.

FIG. 5 a illustrates an exemplary flow chart of another encoding schemefor pressure measurement wherein the measuring interval, within which arandom number of samples are taken, is reduced upon detection of theintent to change pressure.

FIG. 5 b illustrates an exemplary flow chart of an encoding scheme forpressure measurement wherein the time before the next pressuremeasurement is reduced upon detection of the intent to change pressure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side block view of an exemplary detection systemfor intent to change pressure integrated into a pressure or vacuumregulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope istherefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

As described herein, the use of an electronic measuring and displaysystem provides opportunity to deliver additional information to thepractitioner. Low power microcontrollers along with low power pressuresensors allow for a battery-powered electronic gauge, isolated from 60-or 50-cycle main current. Isolation is-critical both for patient safetyand for user convenience. A battery-powered gauge is mobile, lightweight, and un-tethered to an electrical outlet, hence it can be used inremote environments where 60- or 50-cycle main power is not available ornot reliable. Furthermore, electronic sensing of pressure allows forfeedback control of the regulated pressure. In applications whereprecise control of pressure is desired, the measured output pressurecould feedback, via appropriate amplification, to the regulator controland compensate for drift or fluctuations. In such applications, the useof shape memory allow wire (Nickel Titanium Alloy), solenoids, servomotor, stepper motor, etc, would provide for mechanical movement andconsequent pressure adjustment.

Another important feature of vacuum regulators as they apply to patientcare is the ability to intermittently release pressure to ambient. Whena negative pressure is applied to a tube situated within a body cavity,fragile tissue can be “sucked” into the orifice of the tube. Ifmaintained for a period of time greater than several seconds to minutes,this trauma to the tissue may result in ischemia, mechanical damage, orbleeding. Thus, intermittent suctioning is desired. This allows for thefriable tissue to “float” away from the tube orifice and to minimizedamage.

A battery or independently powered pressure regulator, to be ofcommercial viability, is anticipated to have a 10-year battery life,without need for recharging. Hence, an electronic measuring gaugedesigned to provide operation for an extended period of time should bedesigned in such a way as to conserve power most of the time, and yetmeasure pressure continuously. The device should provide instantfeedback to a health care practitioner when an adjustment is made.Various embodiments described herein provide systems and methods formeasuring pressure, displaying the results, conserving power, andproviding feedback to the health care practitioner when an adjustment ofpressure is required.

One aspect of an embodiment(s) is the ability to continuously measurepressure, respond to the practitioner's input, and minimize powerconsumed. In most applications, pressure will be maintained at aclinically appropriate level for both short and long periods of time(minutes, hours or days). It is anticipated that sampling of pressurecan be infrequent during long periods of steady state. The exemplarycircuit design described herein allows for the system to enter “sleep”mode during which time the power consumption is minimal (microwatts).However, when adjustment of regulated pressure is required by theclinical situation, the circuit will awaken to monitor pressurecontinuously, thereby providing instant feedback to the practitionerduring pressure adjustment. To avoid any small latency between userinput and measured output, it is desirable to detect proximity of theuser to the regulator, as one of several possible mechanisms fordetecting user input. As a user's hand approaches the regulator toadjust the pressure, the circuitry, acting as a proximity sensor, inthis instance, will detect this motion and command the microcontrollerand pressure sensor to “wake up” and sample with greater frequency, thatis, with smaller time intervals between samples. In a non-limitingexample, while in the steady-state clinical setting, where pressure isnot being changed, the circuitry might sample once during each 10 secondinterval (10 seconds just being one of several possible time intervals).When the clinical personnel deems a change in pressure is required, andas their hand approaches the regulator the proximity detector (using,any one or more of capacitance, inductance, thermal, ultrasonic, and soforth detection mechanism(s)) will sense this motion and provide aninterrupt signal to the microcontroller. At this command, the samplingfrequency might be one hundred times per second, providing a mere 10milliseconds between samples. This frequency of pressure sampling couldpersist for several seconds to minutes following any perturbation, andthen revert back to sleep mode. This provides for instant feedback ofpressure change to the practitioner, while providing a very low dutycycle of increased power consumption. Most of the time the circuitry isdrawing a few microamps of current, while for a small percentage of timethe current requirements would increase to a few milliamps.

Another of a proximity trigger of sampling frequency is that the usercould simply “wave” their hand close to the regulator to “wake” it upand increase the sampling frequency (decrease the sampling interval).Hence, if a clinical situation changes or dictates close observation,the user would not have to adjust the regulator to enhance thetime-based resolution of the measuring device. Furthermore, as thesystem “awakens” as a hand approaches, it anticipates a user input, andcan be in an increased frequency-of-sampling mode even before anymechanical movement or adjustment of the regulator. Thus, transientsassociated with pressure sensor power-up are resolved even before theuser makes any manual adjustments.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum regulator can sample the pressure inthe outlet line at irregular, or random, intervals. An advantage ofrandom interval sampling is that it uses less electrical power than doescontinuous or regular interval sampling and thus provides less drain onthe battery power supply than either of the other two samplingmodalities. When the system is not sampling the pressure, it can revertto a dormant or sleep mode to reduce power consumption. The randomsampling provides for a low duty cycle operation of the system whichoptimally saves battery power.

Another feature of random sampling is the ability to cancel out periodicpressure variations. In various embodiments, the sampling interval isperformed on a random basis during each given time period. The randomsampling prevents the sampling period from coinciding with a mechanicalfluctuation of the regulator or vacuum pump. For example, if the pump orregulator has an inherent mechanical oscillation at 10 cycles persecond, and the sampling took place at a regular interval of once every10 seconds, then it is possible that the sample would always occur at anadir or zenith of pressure. If the pressure is sampled at a regularinterval, then cyclic fluctuations of pressure in the main hospitalsystem could synchronize with the sampling frequency and provide aninaccurate measure of true pressure.

Stated differently, sampling could become synchronized with the pressurefluctuations, much as a stroboscope light is synchronized with somelinear or angular motion, thereby halting apparent motion. The randomnature of the sampling within any given time interval or time-windowavoids this potential synchronization, and cancels out either periodicor non-periodic fluctuations in the input pressure/vacuum line. Thesampling window, or interval, can range from about 0.1 seconds to about100 seconds with a range of about 5 seconds to 20 seconds. The actualfrequency of sampling is random within an infinite expanding range. Therange would expand based upon user inactivity. For example: if therandom sampling interval is every 2 seconds during the first hour afterperturbation, the sampling interval would increase over time(minute-to-minute; hour-to-hour; etc.) provided the user has not incitedthe proximity switch. In this way the controlling circuit has “learned”from the user's activity, decreasing sampling frequency (increasingsampling interval) in accordance with the clinical need. This representsa unique power saving approach.

In certain embodiments, the system can operate using a power supply thatis provided by the mains in the room. In other embodiments, the powersupply can be a battery contained within the pressure regulator oraffixed thereto. In some embodiments the battery can benon-rechargeable, while in other embodiments, the battery can berechargeable. The battery charger can be internally or externallymounted to the regulator or it can be an entirely separate device thatis affixed by a connecting wire and plug, for example, or it can be inclose proximity to allow for inductive (non-contact) charging. Suchinductive charging avoids direct electrical connection to 60/50-cyclehigh-voltage conductors. In the hospital or clinic setting, suchexposure to 60/50-cycle current is potentially dangerous and to beavoided.

It should be appreciated that while the term “battery” is used herein todescribe an independent source of power for the exemplary regulatingsystem, a non-battery device or mechanism, such as a fuel cell,capacitor, energy storage device and so forth may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the system can be configured to provide an audioalarm, a visual alarm, or both, should the pressure in the output line,the input line, or both, vary beyond a confidence band around the setpoint or points. In other embodiments, the control unit can providesignal alarms to remote stations using radio frequency, microwave,infrared, local area network, or other communications means. Alarms canbe used by attending personnel to generate an alert when an out ofcompliance condition exists within the system, said condition requiringattention and potential adjustment. In a vacuum regulator system, forexample, a vacuum line to a patient can become kinked, blocked, filledwith debris, or otherwise rendered inoperable. Such an event could causea change in vacuum pressure or flow such that an alarm would be trippedonce the sensors measured the event and compared it to the desiredset-point range.

In some embodiments, the rate of pressure sampling or the total numberof samples per unit time can be increased upon some perturbation in thesystem that might require attention on the part of the controller tochange the pressure or vacuum applied to the patient. Such perturbationsin the system that could result in increasing the sampling rate, orstated alternatively, reducing the sampling interval, include rapiddecrease in flow such that might be seen with an obstructed tube in abody orifice. For example, if the sampling frequency is once every 10seconds, then should an obstruction of the tube occur, themicrocrontroller would “wake up” and increase the sampling frequency,providing almost instant change in the displayed pressure or alarm.

In various embodiments, however, a proximity switch can comprise acapacitance sensor, inductance sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc., thatsenses the user's hand in close proximity to the regulator. The sensorand associated control circuitry triggers the microcontroller toincrease the sampling interval. Thus, a simple “wave of the hand”towards the wall-mounted regulator would invoke a change in samplingfrequency.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a pressure regulator 100 with internalcomponents shown in block form. The pressure regulator 100 comprises acase 102, an input port 104, an output port 106, a controller 108, aselector switch 118, a control valve 120, an adjustment valve 116further comprising a knob 114, an output pressure transducer 124, atransducer bridge amplifier 126, a display controller 110, an audiooutput device 128, and a visual display 112.

Referring to FIG. 1, the case 102 houses all the other components, orthe other components are affixed thereto. The input port 104 is affixedto the case 102 and further comprises a hollow interior lumen throughwhich fluid can flow into or out of (vacuum) the regulator 100. Theoutput port 106 is affixed to the case 102 and further comprises ahollow lumen through which fluid can flow into or out of the regulator100. The input port 104 and the output port 106 are operably connectedby tubing, channels, or hollow pipe 130 with intervention by variousvalves. Air channel(s) 132 is connected to the control valve 120 and(optionally) adjustment valve 116. The control valve 120 resides betweenthe input port 104 and the output port 106 and restricts or opens thechannel for flow therebetween in response to electrical or fluidicsignals received from the controller 108. The controller 108 cancomprise a computer, memory, input-output devices, embedded software,and other components commonly found in electronic control devices. Thecontroller 108 can be operably connected to the control valve 120 via abus, wiring, electrical interconnects, or the like (not shown). Thecontroller 108 can be further connected to the output or visual outputcontroller 110 with electrical wiring, a bus, interconnects, or the like(not shown). The controller software can be isolated, or it can berendered upgradeable using infrared, short-distance radio frequency,other wireless means, or simple wiring means such as USB, and so forth.

The input of the audio output device 128 is operably connected byelectrical wiring to an output of the controller 108. The audio outputdevice 128 is affixed to the case 102 and can be a buzzer, aloudspeaker, or other sound generation device along with appropriateamplification, frequency synthesis, and volume control systems asaccording to design preference. The display controller 110 iselectrically connected at its input to an output line of the controller108. The output of the display controller 110 is operably connected withan electronic bus to the input port of the visual output device 112. Thedisplay controller 110 and the visual output device 112 can be affixedto the case 102 or other intermediate structures.

The visual output device 112 can comprise a cathode ray tube (CRT),liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) array, singleLEDs, and so forth. The visual output device 112 can be configured tooutput data such as, but not limited to, set pressure, output linepressure, time, battery level, alarm mode, warning mode, etc. The audiooutput device 128 can generate single tones, modulated tones, musicalnotes or strings of musical notes making up a tune, informational tonessuch as in the case of spoken language, and the like.

In some embodiments, the audio alarm could be configured for differentconditions—such as when the vacuum pressure exceeds 165 mm/Hg, as onepossible example of a threshold alarm condition. This value could behard coded into the microcontroller and would be appropriate forpediatric clinics, for example. Of course, other alarm conditions couldbe devised, suited for standard or surgical or any other clinic orsituation desired. Each of these conditions may be hard coded ormodifiable by the clinician by selecting a switch or othermechanism—thus adjusting the threshold(s) for alarming.

It should be understood that with advances in electronics, the displaycontroller 110 and the controller 108 may be facilitated by a singledevice/chip/processor, as well as with transducer bridge amplifier 126.Therefore, it is expressly understood that the exemplary embodiments arenot constrained to have separate controllers 110 and 108, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary pressure regulator 100 connected to acardiotomy reservoir 204, pleural evacuation chamber, or the like via alength of vacuum output tubing 202. The pressure regulator 100 isconfigured as a vacuum regulator in this embodiment and is affixed to,as well as being operably connected, at its input port 104, to a wallvacuum outlet 218, which is affixed to a wall plate 216. The reservoir204 further comprises a fluid input plenum 206 further comprising avacuum output port 220 and a vacuum source port 222.

The vacuum source port 222 is operably connected to the vacuum outputtubing 202, which is operably connected to the vacuum output line 106 ofthe regulator 100 via optional coupler 214. The vacuum output port 220is operably connected to a vacuum line 208, which is affixed to theproximal end of a suction catheter or drainage tube 212 at its hub 210.

The pressure regulator 100 is configured to maintain suction, or vacuum,that is sufficient to remove fluid and debris from a patient (not shown)through the drainage tube 212 but not so great as to cause tissuedamage. Thus, careful control of the pressure regulator 100 output isnecessary and desirable. For instance, the drainage tube 212 can beplaced such that its distal end resides within the patient's pleuralspace to serve as a chest drainage tube for a pneumothorax. Loss ofsuction could cause the lung to re-collapse so maintenance of a correctvacuum is imperative, as is the need to monitor for the presence ofblockage with the chest tube such that if the vacuum becomes compromisedwithin the patient, a caregiver will be notified so that remedial actioncan be initiated to remove the blockage. The reservoir 204 is configuredwith the vacuum input port 222 high, as is the vacuum output port 220.Thus, liquid that drains from the patient will collect in the containerof the reservoir 204 and not be introduced into the regulator 100 by wayof the vacuum line 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary pressure regulator100. The pressure regulator 100 comprises a fluid input port 302, anadjustment valve 304, a pressure accumulator 312, a pressure output port318, an output line pressure sensor 316, a bridge amplifier 324, adisplay processor 326, a visual display device 320, a battery 328, acontroller 310, an adjustment device 308, an intent to modify sensor333, an ambient air vent 306, a control valve 314, and an audio outputsystem 322. The components are operably, electrically connected by awiring bus 330, illustrated with a single line, and they are operably,fluidically connected by a fluid line 332, illustrated with a doubleline.

Referring to the diagram of FIG. 3, all electrical components may beoperably electrically connected, for example, using electrical wiring, awiring bus, a wireless interface, or a combination thereof. Theelectrical connections can be digital, analog, or a combination thereof.The fluid input port 302 is operably connected to an external pressuresource (not shown). The fluid input port 302 is connected to the controlvalve 304, either directly or indirectly, by a length of tubing, pipe, amanifold, or other leak-free fluid conducting structure. The output line318 is operably connected to the pressure accumulator 312 by a portionof the fluid conduit 332. The pressure sensor 316, which can be atypical pressure transducer that uses changes in resistance, voltage, orthe like and is fluidically coupled to the output line 318, theaccumulator 312, or the connecting fluid conduit 332. The pressuresensor 316 can be electrically connected to the bridge amplifier 324, orsimilar device, which is electrically connected to the controller 310and the display processor 326 by the electrical bus 330. In analternative embodiment, the pressure sensor is self-contained, withappropriate sensor, amplifier, and analog to digital converter, allpackaged in a device that can be attached to a printed circuit board.This attachment may use wave-soldering techniques, hand soldered,inserted, etc. The display processor 326 is electrically connected tothe visual display 320 by the electrical bus 330. The audio outputsystem 322 can be electrically connected to the controller 310 or thebridge amplifier by the electrical bus 330.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary encoding scheme forpressure measurement wherein the number of samples taken within asampling interval is randomly generated. The encoding scheme illustratedin FIG. 4 a can be hard wired or it can be generated using software,either embedded or provided from an external input. The encoding schemecomprises defining a sampling time-window 402, generating a randomnumber of samples 404 within the sampling window 402, taking the samples408 in accordance with the sampling rate generated in step 404, closing410 the time-window, and then simultaneously displaying 412 the outputon a visual output device (or sending 412 the data to a controller), andreturning from step 410 to generate another random number of samples 404within the sampling time-window 402. With no further intervention, thisprogram continues to run in a random fashion in such a way as tominimize the amount of electrical energy required in the samplingprocess. When not taking a sample, the microcontroller brings the entiredisplay and control circuitry into “sleep” mode, thereby minimizingpower consumption. Upon detecting an “intent” to change pressure, aswhen a user's hand approaches the device, the microcontroller “wakes up”and begins sampling at a much more frequent rate.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary encoding schemewherein the time to acquisition of the next sample is randomlygenerated, with an option to modify the time to next sample as afunction of the magnitude of the pressure change since the lastmeasurement. The sampling methodology, as encoded within the instructionset of the system, comprises randomly generating a new time to nextsample 424, taking one or more samples 426 once the time to next sample424 has elapsed, evaluating 428 the change in pressure, and adjustingthe time to the next sample 430. These data are then sent to the displayor controller 432. The time to the next sample 424, is modified by thetime adjustment 430.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a flow chart of another exemplary encoding schemefor pressure data measurement wherein the measuring interval, withinwhich a random number of data samples are taken, is decreased uponproximity detection. That is, instead of taking random samples, thesamples are taken at more frequent intervals. In some embodiments, therandomness of sampling may be continued, however, with the samplingfrequency increased. The encoding scheme, or method, can be embedded infirmware, software, memory, externally input, hardwired, or the like.The method comprises defining a new sampling time-window 502, generatinga random number of samples 504 within the sampling time-window 502,taking 508 the randomly generated number of samples 504 within thesample time-window 502, adjusting 510 the sample time-window in responseto activation of a proximity sensor 516, closing 512 the samplingtime-window, transmitting the data to an output device or controller514, while also looping back to define a new sampling time-window 502and beginning the scheme again.

Activation of the proximity sensor 516 can comprise moving a hand closeto a sensor, for example, embedded within the wall-mounted regulatorsuch that the presence of the human hand or object can be detected bythe proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be an impedance sensor,capacitance sensor, motion sensor, inductance sensor, ultrasonicdetector, and so forth. The sample time-window adjustment 510 generallycomprises shortening the length of the sampling time-window so thatadditional samples are taken within a given period of time. The sampletime-window adjustment 510 can further comprise evaluation of changes,more specifically a lack thereof, in the pressure measurements such thatwhen pressure remains constant for a period of time, the samplingtime-window can be increased, or opened up to provide fewer samples perunit time. The sample time-window adjustment 510 can also compriseevaluation of changes in pressure such that significant changes inpressure over a given period of time can result in reducing the sampletime-window to a smaller value such that more samples are taken in agiven time period. Thus, should an obstruction in the line either withina body cavity or external to the patient's body occur, the resultantchange in pressure would trigger an increased frequency of sampling(that is, a decrease in sampling interval) and if reproduced overseveral samples could trigger an audible or visual warning signal, or inthe event of a threshold value being exceeded.

FIG. 5 b illustrates a flow chart of an encoding scheme for pressuremeasurement wherein the time before the next pressure measurement isreduced upon detection of intent to change pressure. The methodcomprises initiating pressure or data sampling 522, generating a randomtime until acquisition of the next sample 524, taking the sample orsamples 526, evaluating any change in the pressure 528, adjusting asample delay 530 in response to activation of a proximity sensor 536,determining an adjustment to the next sample time delay 532, and thenlooping back to define a new time to next sample 524 while at the sametime sending the data for display 534.

The encoding scheme of FIG. 5 b provides a logic analysis of activationof a proximity sensor 536 such that an adjustment can be made to thetime to acquisition of the next data packet. Typically, activation ofthe proximity sensor will decrease the time to the next sample due toanticipated changes in the system pressure occurring. Following a periodof no or minimal change, the time to next sample can be adjusted to alarger number. For example, if the random number generator determinedthe time to next sample to be 1 minute and there was no proximity sensoractivation, the delay would remain 1 minute. However, if the proximitysensor was activated, it might reduce this time period by 99% for thenext sample such that the actual delay would reduce to milliseconds. Thesystem might sample every 50 milliseconds, as one example, for a periodof time until the pressure stabilized, at which point, the randomlygenerated time delay would return to the “sleep” mode interval of manyseconds.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side block view of a detection system for intent tochange pressure integrated into a pressure or vacuum regulator 100. Thevacuum regulator 100 comprises the pressure input port 104, the pressureoutput port 106, the adjustment knob 114, the proximity sensor 602embedded within the regulator case 102, the proximity sensor supportelectronics 604, the control valve 116, the controller 108, the case102, the visual display 112, the pressure sensor 124, the bridgeamplifier 126, and the adjustment valve 116.

Referring to FIG. 6, the proximity sensor 602 may be affixed to theinside of the case 102. The location of the proximity sensor elementwill be determined by the physical dimensions of the case 102, and maybe located in the knob 114, along the face of the case, along the sideof the case, etc. The location of the proximity sensor element may bebased on sensitivity requirements, the physical layout of the internalcomponents of the regulator, and the material used for the case of theregulator, and so forth. The nature of the construction material of thecase 102 may be determined by cost, toxicity, durability, etc., and maybe plastic, metal, or other material. The proximity sensor 602 feedsinput to the proximity sensor support electronics 604, which, in turnfeeds electronic signals to the controller 108. The controller 108alters the sampling intervals or sampling delays for the pressure sensor124 and its bridge amplifier 126, and the like. The output of the bridgeamplifier 126 can be input to the controller 108 and ultimately end upin the visual display 112. The proximity sensor 602 can comprise animpedance sensor, a capacitance sensor, a motion sensor, and the like.The pressure sensor 124 can be operably set to sample the pressure inthe output line 106, the input line 104, or both.

In certain embodiments, the vacuum regulator comprises visual outputdevices such as, but not limited to, LCD, LED, or other displays. Insome embodiments the vacuum pressure regulator comprises audio outputdevices such as, but not limited to, loudspeakers, buzzers, bells,vibrators, or the like. The output devices are controlled by electroniccircuitry that is electrically, operably coupled to a microprocessor orother controller that monitors pressures and changes in pressure perunit of time.

Aspects of the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer or computing components toimplement various aspects of the claimed subject matter. The term“article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass acomputer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier,or media. For example, computer readable media can include but are notlimited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices(e.g., card, stick, key drive . . . ). Additionally it should beappreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carrycomputer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting andreceiving voice mail or in accessing a network such as a cellularnetwork. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize manymodifications may be made to this configuration without departing fromthe scope or spirit of what is described herein.

What has been described above includes examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill inthe art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations ofvarious embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodimentsare intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The above presents a description of the devices and methods contemplatedfor carrying out the present neurointervention and methods of providingsaid neurointervention, and of the manner and process of making andusing the devices, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as toenable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make anduse these neurointerventional devices and methods. These devices andmethods are, however, susceptible to modifications and alternateconstructions from that discussed above that are fully equivalent.Therefore, the various examples and embodiments disclosed herein may beapplicable in non-medical arenas. Consequently, these devices andmethods are not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On thecontrary, these devices and methods cover all modifications andalternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of thedevices and methods are as generally expressed by the following claims,which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter ofthese devices and methods.

1. A method of reducing power consumption in a pressure (vacuum)regulator system by waking the regulator upon detection of a change inpressure beyond a set band, comprising: defining a sampling time-windowto sample a pressure in the pressure regulator system; generating arandom number of pressure samples within the defined samplingtime-window; acquiring data of the randomly generated number of pressuresamples within the defined sampling time-window; adjusting the definedsampling time-window in response to a change in pressure beyond a setband; and transmitting the data to an output device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising closing the adjusted sampling time-window.3. The method of claim 1, further comprising visually displaying atleast one of continuous and intermittent pressure information.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of reducing a size of theadjusted sampling time-window.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of adjusting the sampling time-window as a functionof a magnitude of the change in pressure beyond a set band.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising returning the adjusted samplingtime-window to its initial defined value following a predeterminedperiod of negligible change in the acquired data.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the pressure is sampled within an output line of the pressureregulator system.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure changeis sensed by at least one of a change in inductance, resistance,impedance, and capacitance.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein thepressure regulator system is powered independent of a utility.
 10. Apressure (vacuum) regulator system capable of reducing power consumptionby waking a regulator upon detection of a change in pressure beyond aset band, comprising: means for defining a sampling time-window tosample a pressure in the pressure regulator system; means for generatinga random number of pressure samples within the defined samplingtime-window; means for acquiring data of the randomly generated numberof pressure samples within the defined sampling time-window; means fordetecting a change in pressure beyond a set band; means for adjustingthe sampling time-window in response to a triggering of the means fordetecting the change in pressure beyond a set band; and means fortransmitting the data to an output device.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the means for detecting the change in pressure beyond a set bandis triggered by at least one of a change in inductance, resistance,impedance, and capacitance.
 12. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising means for returning the adjusted sampling time-window to itsinitial defined value following a predetermined period of negligiblechange in the acquired data.
 13. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising means for adjusting the sampling time-window as a function ofa magnitude of the change in pressure beyond the set band.
 14. Thesystem of claim 10, further comprising means for visually displaying atleast one of continuous and intermittent pressure information.
 15. Thesystem of claim 10, further comprising means for reducing a size of theadjusted sampling time-window.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein thepressure regulator system is powered independent of a utility.
 17. Amethod of reducing power consumption in a pressure (vacuum) regulatorsystem by canceling out an effect of periodic pressure fluctuation,comprising: identifying a periodic pressure fluctuation; initiating afirst sampling of pressure within a period of the pressure fluctuation;acquiring a second sampling of pressure after a randomly generated timedelay such that the second sampling of pressure is taken in a periodother than the period of the first sampling; acquiring data of the firstand second pressure samplings; adjusting the time delay as a function ofthe difference in pressure between the first sampling and the secondsampling; and transmitting the data to an output device.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising the step of visually displaying at leastone of continuous and intermittent pressure information.
 19. The methodof claim 17, wherein the pressure is sampled within an output line ofthe pressure regulator system.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein thepressure regulator system is powered independently from a utility. 21.The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of increasing thetime delay between the first sample and the second sample if thedifference in pressure between the first sample and the second sample isless than a predetermined value.
 22. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising the step of decreasing the time delay between the firstsample and the second sample if the difference in pressure between thefirst sample and the second sample exceeds a predetermined value. 23.The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of resetting thetime delay following a predetermined period of negligible change in theacquired data.